The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, on Tuesday flagged off a re-electrification project for more than 50 communities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and parts of Ijebu East Local Government Area.
The project was officially launched during a town hall meeting with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders in Ogun Waterside.
The intervention is expected to restore electricity to communities that have lived without power for over a decade following the vandalisation of critical electricity infrastructure. Beneficiary communities include Onikintimbo, Gbegude, Olorunsogo, Malofe, Itebu-Manuwa, Mile 3, Mile 4, Igede, Oni, Alo, Olojumeta, Ibiade, Agodo, Tigara, Igbafo, Ilushin, Agbure, Efire, Lomiro, Obu, Ayede, Abigi, Ayila, Ita Ogun, Ita Otu, Makun Omi, Igbo Edu, Ode Omi and Awodikora, among others.
Speaking at the event, Senator Adeola, accompanied by the APC deputy governorship candidate, Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, said the project was aimed at restoring hope to residents whose livelihoods had been affected by years of blackout.
He described electricity as essential for economic growth, education, healthcare and security, adding that the intervention would revive businesses and improve the standard of living in the affected communities.
The senator urged residents to take ownership of the project by protecting electricity installations from vandalism, stressing that community vigilance would be critical to its success.
According to him, contractors have already been mobilised to site and the project is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Adeola said the re-electrification initiative fulfilled a promise he made during an earlier consultative visit to Ogun Waterside, where residents appealed for government intervention over the prolonged power outage. He disclosed that the project is being funded from his personal resources.
The lawmaker also announced plans to construct a solar-powered market in Ogun Waterside to enable traders to operate into the evening and boost economic activities in the area. He said construction of the market would commence within the next two weeks.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Adesegun; former senator Lekan Mustapha; members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, local government officials, APC leaders, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, several leaders commended Senator Adeola for fulfilling his promise, saying the restoration of electricity would improve healthcare delivery, support education, revive businesses, empower artisans and create new economic opportunities.
They also pledged to safeguard the electrical infrastructure to ensure the long-term success of the project.
